Lock



G. A. LONG Oct. 14, 1930.

LOCK

Original Filed Nov. 18

Patented Oct. 14, 1930 UNITED STATES PATENT orrlce GEORGE stone, or nAn'rroRn conlvnc'riour, ASSIGNOR 'ro Lone sncunrry LOCK COMPANY, or Hammer, CONNECTICUT, A CORPORATION or eo vunc'rxcu'r V LOCK Application 'file'd iiovember 18, 1927, Serial No. 234,257. Renewed J'u1y3, 1929.

invention relates to that class of key operated looks that are more commonlyeemployed for securing the doors or other closures to compartments of various kinds, my improved lock, being particularly applicable for use in connection with the doors of safe deposit boxes and similar compartments found in banks and other places,fand an object of my invention, among others, is the production of a lock in which the mechanism may be readily changed to prevent its operation by thekey formerly fitting the lock and to require the use of a key difierentlyvbitted or notched to effect the operation.

One form of a lock-embodying my invention and in the construction and use of which the objectsherein set out, as well as others, may be attained, is; illustrated in the accornpanying drawings, inwhich 3 s Figure l isa face view of my improvedlock, showing the bolt in its locking positionj;

Figure 2 is a sideview of the same. a;

Figure 3 is a View in section on a plane d e-j noted by the dotted line 3 3'o1f Figure 5,

Figure 4} is a similar view on a plane'de noted by the dotted line H of Figure 5;

Fig-ure 5 is a view ;in section .on a; plane denoted by the dotted line 5,5 of Figure 3.

Figure dis a view similar toFigure b, but showing the mechanism in its normally un locked position. a i f v Figure 7 is a View similar, to Figure 6, but showing the mechanism in a slightly different position and with the key center or barrelplaced to permit a change in the combination of the leaf tumblers, V

Figure 8 is a detail view in section on a;

plane denoted by the dotted line 8 8 of Fig- 7 ure 7.

my improved lock. a I v In connection with safe-depositboxes or similar compartments in banks orother places it has been founddesirableto have means for easily and quickly; changing the combination whereby the useof a key diii-w ferently bitted or notched from that former Figure 9- is aview of a key for operating a lock that comprises a case 6 formedin any suitable manner and provided with a cover plate 7 to close the chamber in the case and the mechanism therein.

A barrel or key center 8 havinga key opening 9 is rotatably mounted in; the case and projects through-the plate 7 on the frontfaee or the case, shown in Figs. 3 and 8 of the drawings. An escutcheon 10 on the plate 7 surrounds the projecting part of the key center 8, this escutcheon having notches 11 to receive opposite edges of a key to permit its; insertion and removal in the normal opera tion of the lock, such escutcheon also having releasing notches 12 and 13 to permit removal of the key for a purpose to be hereinafter described The barrel or key center 8 QOm prises a guiding section let to receiveand guide a key into an actuator section 15 that is offset from the front end or. guiding sec tion, and as shown in Figs. 3 and 8' of the drawings. a

This actuator section has a key slot 16 shaped in a common manner to receive a key and it also contains holes for the members 17 ofa set of pin tumblers which'coact with the members 18 of another set of pin tumblers the latter being located in a pin tumbler block l9secured within the casing and having a circular recess 20 to permit rotating movement U of the key center, the wall of this recess-also acting asa retainer and guide for the set 17 of pin tumblers.

7 between all of thertumblers in the sets and 18 will register with the plane of the wall 20 so that the center may be turned" in a manner that will be readily understood by those skilled in the art, i

The key 21 has a set of pin tumbler notches 22 on one edge to properly locate'the sets of pin tumblers and permitrotation of the key center, and said key has a set of bits 23 on its opposite e-d 'eto properly pos tions set 24 of leaf tumblers pivotally mounted in the case, said bits properly positioningthe lea-f tumblers to cause notches 25 infthef ends of thetinnblers to register to receive fingers 26 o a et tgu dsfli slida ly mounted n When the proper key -21 has been inserted inthe slot 16, and as shown;

a locking bolt hereinafter mentioned, the guards having retaining notches 28 each to receive one-edge of a retainer 29.

In an unlocking operation (see Figure 5) the bits 23 properly position the leaf tumblers 24 after release of the key center and its rotation as above described with each notch 25 opposite a finger 26, and at this time a lug 3O projecting from the actuator 15 will enter a recess in the edge of the bolt 31 to move the latter in its sliding movement in the case. This movement is permitted by reason of the fact that as the lug 3O enters the notch in the bolt the notches 25 and fingers 26 will register properly to permit retracting movement of the bolt. During the forward or locking movement of the bolt, the retainer 29 will enter the notches 28 before the fingers 26 have been moved out of the notches 25. This engagement of the retainer 29 and notches 28 will preserve the'location of the guards 27, relatively.

lVhen it is desired to change the combina tion of the lock a change in position of one or more of the tumblers 24 is made and this also simultaneously changes the position of a guard or guards 27 engaged with said tumbler or tumblers. This change in position of the guards causes the retainer 29 to be received in a difierent notch or notches in the guard or guards so changed. The positioning of the tumblers for the purpose just described may be effected by the key that is to be employed after the combination is changed. This manner of changing a combination has been effected prior to my invention and it will, therefore, be readily understood, and for this reason and the fact that much of the mechanism thus far described is of well known construction a further and more detailed description is omitted herein.

My invention contemplates means whereby this change in combination by altering the position of one or more of the tumblers 24 may be readily effected and without any liability of a movement of any of the parts to alter the relative arrangements thereof while such change is being made. Should any of the parts he unintentionally moved relatively to other parts, the arrangementwould be so disturbed as to require the lock to be taken down and the parts then properly arranged.

In effecting my purpose I provide a holder for the key center, this holder being in the form of a stud 32 projecting from a holder slide 33 slidably mounted in the case and having a button 34 located outside of the case for the purpose of operating the slide. The stud 32 is adapted to engage within one of the holes for the pin tumblers 17, and the slide 33 is urged into this locking position as by means of a spring 35.

The slide supporting the holder 32 may be operated differently than as herein specifically shown and I contemplate other means for accomplishing this purpose as within the spirit and intent of my invention as defined by the claims herein.

The stud 32 operates as a stop to limit the rotating movement of the key center in its unlocking movement, and as shown in Figure 6 of the drawings. It will thus be seen that I not only make use of this as a holder for the key center, but I also employ it to stop the rotation of the key center in its unlock- 7 ing movement.

To change the combination of the lock the button 34 is used to push the slide 33 backwardly when, by the use of the old key, the center 8 is moved into the resetting position shown in Figure 7 and against the stop 36. At this time, the button 34 having been released, the spring will force the stud 32 into a hole occupied by one of the tumblers 18, said tumbler being moved backward s.)

against the force of its spring. The key center is now locked in this resetting position.

During the rotation of the key center from its normal or unlocked position, shoulders 37 on the key pass behind a lip around the center opening in the escutcheon, and a holding bit 39 passes behind the tumblers 24. This prevents the removal of the key, in prior structures,- until the key center is rotated backwardly to its normal or unlocked position. In adapting my invention, I form releasing notches 38 in the tumblers 24 so located that when the key center is rotated to the position shown in Figure 7, the bit 39 may pass outwardly through said notches to permit removal of the old key, the shoulders 37 simultaneously passing through the releas ing notches 12 and 13.

While the key center is locked in this resetting position, as shown in Fig. 7, a new 822*.

key, differently bitted from that of the key removed, is inserted in the key center, its prong 39 entering through the notches 38 and the shoulders 37 through the notches 12 and 13, the button 34 is pushed back, releasing the key center, and the new key is used to turn the key center backwardly. The differently formed or what may be termed changed bits 23 on the new or substituted key now act to reposition one or more of the tumblers 24 under the action of the tumbler springs, and this also automatically repositions the guards27 by reason of the fact that the fingers 26 are at this time in the notches 25. The key being turned to place the key center in its unlocking position one or more of the tumblers will be thus automatically positioned in a new combination, and the stud 32 will be automatically returned to position to stop opening movement of the key center in further operation of the lock. The notches 28 are so arranged that they will be properly engaged by the retainer 29 in this new position of the guards 27.

It will thus be seen that I have provided if means whereby the key center is positively locked during the time that the old key is being removed and a new'key is being replaced and all the parts are thus preserved in their relative positions, and after the change has been effected, after the holder 32 for the key center has been removed, the parts will, in a locking movement of the key, be automatically returned to their normal operative condition, but with one or more tumblers and guards in the new position or positions efiected by the change in the combination. 7

In accordance with the provisions of the patent statutes I have described the principles of operations of my invention, together with the device which I now consider to represent the best embodiment thereof; but I desire to have it understood that the device shown is only illustrative and that the invention may be carried out by other means and applied to uses other than thoseabove set out.

I claim 1. A lock mechanism including a key re ceiving member, members adapted to be positioned by said key to control operations of the lock mechanism, and means other than said members for automatically holding said receiving member against movement while a change of keys is made preparatorytoaltering the position of at least some of said controlling members.

2. A lock mechanism including a key receiving member, members adapted to be positioned by said key to control operations of the lock mechanism, and means other-"than said members for automatically engaging and holding said key receiving member against movement while a change of keys is made preparatory to alteringthe position of atleast some of said controlling members.

3. A look mechanism including a key receiving member, members adapted tobe posiioned by said key to controloperations of the lock mechanism, a stop to limit movement of said key receiving member, andmeans on said key receiving memberto receive said stop and hold said key receiving'me'mber against movement while a change of keysis made preparatory to altering the position of at least some of said controllingfmembers.

4. A look mechanism'including a keyreceiving member, members'adapted to be posi tioned by said key to control'operations of' the-lock mechanism, a manually operable stop to limit movement of said key receiving mem her, and means for automatically engaging said stop with saidkey receiving member to hold ,the latter against movement while a change-of keys is made preparatory to altering the position of at least some of'sai'd controlling members. 7

5. -Alock mechanism including a key receiving member having holes for pin tumblers, members adapted to be positioned by key to control operations or" the lock mecha nlsm, and means to enter a pin tumbler hole against a pin tumbler therein to hold said key receiving member against movement while a change of keys is made preparatory to altering the position of at least some of said controlling members.

.7. A lock mechanism inoludingla key receiving member, members adapted to be positioned by a key to control operations of the lock mechanism, and means selectively acting in either oftwo capacities with respect to said key receiving member whereby the latter will i be limited in its movement in one or bothof two directions.

8. A lock mechanism including a key re ceiving member, locking members adapted to be positioned by said key to control operation of the lock'mechanism, means acting upon the key receiving member 'to permit further rotation of said key receiving memher after unlocking the said mechanism to locate the working edgeof a key inspace free of said locking members and to prevent additional movement. after further rotation ocours, and meansto permit removal of said key and the insertion-of another key while so positioned. I a p l 9. A look mechanism including a key receiving member, locking members adapted to be positioned by said key to control operation of the lock mechanism, means topermit movement ofsa1d key receivlng memberto position the working edge of a key in space clear from' said locking members, means to lock said key receiving member against movement when in said position, and means to permit removal of said key and the insertion of another key while in said position. v

'10. A lock mechanism including a movably mounted keyreceiving controller mem ber, locking members operable by a key in said controller member for releasing said controller member, a lockmgbolt engageable with said control ier member for operation ler member, a locking bolt operatively connected with said controller member for operation thereby, locking members operable by a key in said controller member and during rotation of said controller member to release said bolt, and means for holding the controller member against movement, While the bolt is in its unlocked position, to permit of a change of keys.

12. A look mechanism including a movably mounted key receiving controller member, locking members operable by a key in said controller member for releasing said controller member, a locking bolt operatively connected with said cont-roller member for operation thereby, key operated members for locking said bolt against initial movement and operable by a key in said controller member and during rotation of said controller member to release said bolt, and means for holding the controller member against movement, While the bolt is in its unlocked position, to permit of a change of keys.

13. A look mechanism including a movably mounted key receiving controller member, key operated members for locking said controller member against movement, a locking bolt, key operated members for locking said bolt against movement, a key having one portion formed to release said controller locking members and another portion to release said bolt locking members, and means for holding the controller member against movement, While the bolt is in its unlocked position, to permit of a change of keys.

1a. A lock mechanism including a key receiving member, a key having oppositely positioned Working edges insertable in said member, a locking bolt, key actuated members operable by one edge of said key to release said key receiving member, a key actuated member operable by the opposite edge of said key for releasing said bolt and means for changing the setting of the last mentioned key actuated member.

15. A lock mechanism including a key receiving member, locking members adapted to be positioned by a key in said receiving member to control operations of the lock mechanism, means acting upon the key receiving member to permit disengagement of a key from said locking members with the latter in their bolt releasing positions, means for retaining said locking members in fixed relative positions during such disengagement of the key therefrom, and including a part of the key receiving member, and means to permit removal of said key from said receiving member when so disengaged.

16. A look mechanism including a key receiving member, locking members adapted to be positioned by a key in said receiving member to control operations of the lock mechanism, means acting upon the key receiving member to permit disengagement of a key from said locking members With the latter in their bolt releasing positions, means for retaining said locking members in fixed relative positions during such disengagement of Lhe key therefrom, and including a part of the key receiving member, means to permit removal of said key from said receiving member When so disengaged, and a member to engage said retaining means before disengagen'ient of the latter from said locking members and to prevent relative disarrangement of said retaining means.

17. A lock mechanism including a receiving member, members adapted to be positioned by a key in said member to control operations of the lock mechanism, means for limiting movement of said receiving member in normal operations of the lock mechanism, and means for permitting positioning said key receiving member in a difi' erent position preparatory to a change of tumbler combination thereafter holding said key receiving member in such position during a change of keys.

18. A lock mechanism including a key receiving member, members adapted to be positioned by a key in said member to control operations of the lock mechanism, means for limi ting the movement of said receiving member in normal operations of the lock mechanism, and means for permitting excess movement of said key receivin g member to a position for removal of the key preparatory to a change of tumbler combination thereafter to hold said key receiving member in such position during such removal.

19. A lock mechanism including a key receiving member, members adapted to be positioned by a key in said member to control operations of the lock mechanism, means for limiting the movement of said receiving member in normal operations of the lock mechanism, means for permitting excess movement of said key receiving member to a position for removal of the key preparatory to a change of tumbler combination, and means for locking said receiving member in said position.

20. A lock mechanism including a key receiving member, a set of members adapted to be positioned by a key in said member to control operations of the lock mechanism, a number of guards engageable each With a member of said set and releasable therefrom, means for retaining said guards in their normal positions When released from said retaining means but releasable therefrom to permit movement of said members for effecting a change in key combination, and means for permitting excess movement of said key receiving member to a position for removal of the key preparatory to a change of tumbler combination and for thereafter holding the key receiving member after such excess movement.

21. A lock mechanism including a key receiving member, a set of members adapted to be positioned by a key in said member to control operations of the lock mechanisn a number of guards engageable each with a member of said set and releasable therefrom, means for retaining said guards in their relative positions when released from said retaining means, but releasable therefrom to permit movement of said members for effecting a change in key combination means for permitting excess movement of said key receiving member to a position for removal of the key preparatory to a change of tumbler combination, and means for retaining said member against movement during such change of key combination.

22. A look mechanism including a key receiving member, members adapted to be positioned by a key in said member to control operations of the lock mechanism, a stop for limiting movement of said key receiving member in normal locking and unlocking op erations of the lock, and means including said stop for positioning and holding said key receiving member in an abnormal position for a change in tumbler combination.

23. A look mechanism including a key receiving member, members adapted to be positioned by a key in said member to control operations of the lock mechanism, a stop for limiting movement of said key receiving member in normal locking and unlocking operations of the lock, said stop being movably mounted, means for removing said stop from the path of said key receiving member to permit the latter to be positioned for a change in tumbler combination and means for moving said stop into a position to hold the key receiving member in its abnormal posi tion. V

24. A look mechanism including a casing, a pin tumbler block mounted therein, a key receiving member rotatable with respect to said block, means carried by the block for preventing rotation of the key receiving member until a proper key has been inserted in said member, and additional means carried by said block selectively active in either of two capacities with respect to said key receiving member whereby the latter will be limited in its movement in one or both of two directions.

25. A lock mechanism including a casing, a pin tumbler block mounted therein, a key receiving member rotatable with respect to said block, means carried by the block for preventing rotation of the key receiving member until a proper key has been inserted in said member, and means carried by the block in spaced relation with respect to the aforementioned means for normally limiting movement of the key receiving member under the influence of a key and for selectively permitting abnormal movement of the key receiving member. 

